Key Peninsula News

Coach Beth Porter, left, runs with fourth-graders Evey Lee and Eliza Rasmussen.

The nationwide program Girls on the Run returned this spring to Evergreen Elementary School for a 12-week season. Eighteen girls from third through fifth grade met after school twice a week for … more

Krisa Bruemmer, KP News | 6/1/22

Detail from ocean scene mural at Key Peninsula Middle School.

The Longbranch Foundation Rewards Students, Teachers and Schools

The Longbranch Foundation was just one of 18 Key Peninsula donors to the Peninsula Hawks Scholarship Fund in 2022, but it’s also one of the biggest institutional supporters of KP … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 6/1/22

Evergreen Elementary’s Bette McCord Retires

Bette (“Betty”) McCord has been one of the first faces students, parents, community providers, volunteers and visitors have seen when they enter Evergreen Elementary School for over three … more

Krisa Bruemmer, KP News | 6/1/22

Seniors pledge allegiance at Hawks Award Ceremony.

Hawks Scholarship Awards Record Amount to PHS Seniors

One hundred and thirty-four graduating Peninsula High School seniors received $366,800 in scholarships at the Peninsula Hawks Scholarship Fund award ceremony May 18. Fifty scholarship winners were … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 6/1/22

New Transitional Kindergarten Program at Evergreen Elementary

Peninsula School District is midway through a new pre-kindergarten, early learning program called Transitional Kindergarten that launched in January. TK is a state-funded, full-day, full-week, … more

Krisa Bruemmer, KP News | 3/31/22

From left to right, CISP Executive Director Colleen Speer, Volunteer and Communications Director Myka Cranford, and Program Director Laurel Shultz.

Windfall Donation for Communities In Schools of Peninsula

Philanthropist MacKenzie Scott donated $133.5 million to the national nonprofit Communities in Schools Feb. 3. It was the largest unsolicited and unrestricted gift in the organization’s … more

Carolyn Wiley, KP News | 2/28/22

Substitute teacher Kimberly Peabody in a fourth-grade class Feb. 15 at Minter Creek Elementary School.

School District Staffing Shortage Improves

Amid high absence rates among staff and students, Peninsula School District Superintendent Krestin Bahr sent a message to district families Jan. 12 calling on parents and community members to … more

Krisa Bruemmer, KP News | 2/28/22

Rotary Club Dedicates Peace Pole at Evergreen Elementary

“May Peace Prevail on Earth” was the message celebrating the installation of Peace Poles at Evergreen Elementary School Dec. 10. The phrase is posted on the monument in eight different … more

Carolyn Wiley, KP News | 12/30/21

Ava Tisino with instructor Tien-Li Holdych

KP 10-Year-old Wins Gig Harbor Music Olympics Event

Longbranch resident Ava Tisino, 10, won a first place trophy for mastery of the piano in her category at the annual Gig Harbor Music Teachers Association Music Olympics Nov. 20 at Harbor Covenant … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 12/30/21

Evergreen Elementary Open House

The Peninsula School District officially welcomed its third of four new buildings this year with a formal ribbon-cutting and public tour at Evergreen Elementary. It is the first new school built on the Key Peninsula in decades. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 12/2/21

Seahawks Prevail in Epic Overtime Fish Bowl 43

The Peninsula High School Seahawks beat the Gig Harbor Tides 35-28 Sept. 17 at Roy Anderson Field in a stunning come-from-behind win for their sixth consecutive Fish Bowl victory. more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 9/29/21

Pandemic Fuels Increase in Homeschooling

In the 2020-2021 school year, the number of homeschooled students more than doubled to 802 students from 514 families. more

Krisa Bruemmer | 9/29/21

School District Explores Options for KGHP-FM

Kris Hagel, executive director of digital learning for Peninsula School District, commissioned an appraisal and educational assessment in July of KGHP-FM to consider its options as a school district and a radio station owner. more

Lisa Bryan, KP News | 8/28/21

‘Earthonauts’ Land on Purdy Spit

In recognition of World Ocean Day, five Key Peninsula Middle School students organized and hosted a community beach cleanup on the Purdy Spit June 12. more

Carolyn Wiley, KP News | 6/30/21

Inside the new Evergreen Elementary building as it undergoes the final stages of construction.

Evergreen School Nears Completion

This fall, thanks to the passage of the 2019 capital bond, a state-of-the-art Evergreen will open its doors to students. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 5/26/21

Peninsula Hawk Scholarship Fund Rewards 44 Key Peninsula Seniors

One hundred and fifty-two graduating seniors received over $320,000 in scholarships ranging from $500 to $11,000 at the virtual Peninsula Hawk Scholarship Fund award ceremony May 19. Forty-four … more

Ted Olinger, KP News | 5/26/21

Preschool students enjoy a dance party in February 2020, before “social distancing” came along.

Cooperative Preschool to Relocate as District Program Expands

The Peninsula School District plans to expand its half-day Early Childhood Education and Assistance Program (ECEAP) Pre-K classes to a full-day schedule for the 2021-22 school year. more

Krisa Bruemmer, KP News | 5/26/21

Two Local Diamonds With Bright Futures

Peninsula School District and the Greater Gig Harbor Foundation annually solicit nominations from PSD staff to identify graduating seniors for excellence in academics and leadership. Selected … more

Carolyn Wiley, KP News | 4/28/21

Evergreen Elementary lunch ladies Debbie Ehrhardt (left) and Carmen Carter.

'Lunch Ladies Extraordinaire' Keep KP Kids Fed

When classrooms closed across the state in March 2020, Peninsula School District’s many responsibilities to its students didn’t end, including feeding them. more

Krisa Bruemmer, KP News | 3/31/21

Peninsula School District Selects New Superintendent

The Peninsula School District board of directors unanimously voted to hire Krestin Bahr as superintendent during a live-streamed special meeting March 19. more

Sara Thompson, KP News | 3/31/21